Tough screening likely in Samoa to NZ trades scheme

The Samoa Trade Commissioner to New Zealand says tradespeople in Samoa, who want to gain work experience in New Zealand, will need to prove they have the right skill level first.

Fonoti Doctor Lafita’i Fuata’i says an idea has been floated to send apprentice builders, plumbers and electricians to New Zealand, to help ease the load and develop skills to take back to Samoa.

He says while it’s only at an idea stage, proper screening would need to be done in terms of education background and work experience.

“New Zealand will have to set the minimum entry requirements for those which is very important because we can’t just bring people who say ’we’ve got skills’. They have to show that they’ve got the experience and background to show they can handle certain work requirements here in New Zealand.”